Wayne Hennessey admits it will be something of a special moment when he steps out at Goodison Park as Wolves take on Everton tomorrow.

 

And that's because he'll be following in the footsteps of one of his biggest heroes - Neville Southall.

 

Southall has long been a firm favourite of the current Wolves number one, who has also previously benefited from his coaching skills during his time on the international backroom staff.

 

To tread the hallowed turf at Goodison where one of his Welsh predecessors earned his spurs as one of the world's greatest ever goalkeepers is just added inspiration for the Anglesey-born 22-year-old.

 

"I'll always look up to Neville Southall - his record and his performances show just what he was capable of during his career," says Wayne.

 

"I never actually went to see him at Goodison but obviously he's one of my heroes and I watched him a lot on television.

 

"It will be quite a moment for me to go out there at the place where he made his name as such a fantastic keeper.

 

"It will be nice for me to go out there as a Wolves player at the ground where he made his mark."

 

Following in his footsteps would also perhaps include keeping a clean sheet in much the way Southall did so many times during his illustrious career.

 

That's proved a difficult challenge for Wolves thus far in the Barclays Premier League season, but that's not exactly a surprise given the sort of quality they are up against, continuing with the Toffees tomorrow.

 

"It is very difficult at this level (to keep clean sheets)," Wayne explained.

 

"You can make some good saves in a match and still the ball can fly in thanks to the quality of the players and there's nothing you can do.

 

"Obviously it's always nice to keep clean sheets and I'll keep doing everything I can to try and make that happen.

 

"It's another tough place to go tomorrow against a good team at a big stadium.

 

"But we need to pick up some points and have to go there with confidence.

 

"In this league you can play well but the league table can show a completely different story.

 

"The lads have been doing really well - we just need to turn those performances into winning some games.

 

"I've been happy with my own form so far but have just got to keep going and improving and help the team pick up some points and move up that table."

 

 

Wayne highlights tomorrow's opposite number Tim Howard as a "fantastic keeper", in much the same way as most recent club adversary, Portsmouth and England's David James.

 

"We're surrounded by top keeper and top players in this division every week but that's something to relish," he adds.

 

So too the loud and vibrant Premier League ambiance which will again be in full flow at a packed Goodison Park.

 

"I'd like to think the big match atmospheres in the Premier League bring the best out of me and the whole team," says Wayne.

 

"If it's lively and bouncy then it helps you on the pitch and encourage the boys to get forward.

 

"None of the players are fazed by it because while Everton have got some good players so have we.

 

"We feel we are on a level playing field when we step out there."

 

It is of course back to the day job for Wayne tomorrow after his most recent international experience saw him play the full game as Wales lost 2-1 to Finland last weekend only to pick up a booking which ruled him out of Wednesday night's victory in Liechtenstein.

 

"I did alright in the game on Saturday but was gutted to be booked which I didn't think I deserved," he said.

 

"That meant I had to miss Wednesday's game which was disappointing but the lads did well to win 2-0.

 

"Now I'm back I'm looking forward to Everton and can't wait."

 

* TOMORROW'S game is a sellout for Wolves fans so supporters are urged not to travel without tickets.